What Are Organisms That Make Their Own Food Called?

Organisms that produce their own food are called producers. These producers are part of the biotic factors in an ecosystem.

Green plants and bacteria can fall under this category. These organisms create their own food through photosynthesis. They are the basis for most ecological systems. Without producers, consumers like humans, would not have the food or energy they need to survive. These plants use the sunlight to make energy to fuel their functions.

These plants also produce oxygen for other organisms to use. Photosynthesis is also assisted by carbon dioxide. By the plants absorbing the carbon dioxide, it helps clean the air and leave less harmful elements in the air to be breathed in.

Not only do these producers make food for the consumers, they leave behind non-living material when they die or drop leaves for the decomposers. The decomposers like the consumers and the producers are a key part of the ecosystem and biotic factors.

The type of producers that are found in a given area are affected by the abiotic factors. These abiotic factors include soil type, closeness to water, temperature and the gases in the area. The types of producers will directly influence the types of consumers and decomposers in the area as well. If there is a decline or destruction of producers I can change the makeup of the ecosystem in the area.